Valentin Purygin (1926-2002) - Honored Artist of the RSFSR (since 1982), member of the Union of Artists of the USSR (since 1954).

Graduated from the Moscow Art Institute. V. I. Surikov, where he worked in the studio of the famous Soviet artist G. G. Ryazhsky. After graduating from the institute, together with the Samara artists Filatov, Komissarov, Kulakovsky and Filippov, Purygin began to explore the characteristic motifs of the Volga landscapes. Young artists developed the theme of the transformation of nature, urbanization and the construction of a new life.

In the 60s, Purygin was fond of the French post-impressionists, the pointillism of Seurat and Signac, whose work influenced the artist's style. He is looking for a new pictorial expression. In 1971-1972. the first personal exhibitions of the artist took place. Then, while working in Moscow, Purygin took part in major professional exhibitions.